Travel insights and tips on some of the top attractions and best cities in the world

Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
 of Seattle isn’t very long and it doesn’t take an inordinate amount of time — but it certainly is a departure from most city tours. Narrated like machine-gun fire, the tour guide works to cram as much information as he or she can muster into the 90-minute, three-block walk under Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square.

From horse-and-buggies to railroads, and from railroads to station wagons the way we travel has really changed. What we do on our vacations has changed as well, and more and more people are having a hard time leaving work at home when they go!

Queuing up outside the 9/11 Memorial in New York with other members of the press, I felt privileged to have the opportunity to preview the memorial hours before it opened to the public. The previous day, in a private gathering, the families of those lost on 9/11 were the first to experience the memorial, which took 10 years to discuss, plan, draw and build.

A trip to New York City isn't complete unless you take the time to visit the Empire State Building. Opened in 1931, the Empire State Building is the world's most famous office building, a historical landmark, and was named "America's Favorite Architecture" in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects. It's no surprise that visiting this amazing building is one of the top places to visit in New York.

Everything is bigger in Texas, and barbeque is no exception. The unique and delicious style of Texas barbeque is exemplified throughout the Lone Star State, from Houston to Lexington. And with the unique style comes the best of the best – barbeque pits, joints and meat shops that will make your mouth water and your heart stop, leaving you begging for more. Just don’t be surprised when the restaurant doesn’t have frivolities like plates or cutlery – for barbeque is the sole king of these hallowed spots.

It has been said that many people spend more time planning their vacations than practically any other aspect of their lives. With today’s economic conditions, the need to fully develop a plan of attack for one’s next getaway seems perfectly reasonable. Here are ten options one might choose from when sightseeing in New York.